Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly emerged as the frontrunners to sign AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie in the January transfer window.
The Ivory Coast international, 25, is free to talk to foreign clubs from January 1 due to his contract at AC Milan expiring at the end of the campaign. Despite multiple attempts by the Serie A club to tie him down to a new contract, he has rejected signing a new deal and could leave San Siro next month.
According to The Express, talks between Tottenham and Franck Kessie have moved forward, with manager Antonio Conte earmarking him as one of his first signings for the transfer window. Manchester United and Arsenal are also interested in the 25-year-old midfielder, but Spurs have already been in touch with his entourage, the report adds.
Kessie has developed into one of the best midfielders in Serie A in recent years and continues to be a key cog in the Rossoneri side under Stefano Pioli. He has enjoyed a decent 2021/22 season so far, netting five goals in 16 Serie A games.
Franck Kessie to Tottenham—Is he the right midfield option for Conte?
Antonio Conte has managed to turn around the fortunes of Tottenham since replacing Nuno Espirito Santo in the first week of November, winning five of seven Premier League games. This has brought the north Londoners right back into the top-four mix, but if Conte harbours hopes of bringing Champions League football to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season, he must add to his squad in January.
A central midfielder appears to be on Conte’s agenda, and Franck Kessie would be a top addition to Spurs’ midfield ranks. A box-to-box midfielder, the 25-year-old can also play as a lone holding midfielder and initiate moves with his exquisite passing range and vision. He is an all-action midfielder who likes to engage in physical battles with the opponents, break play with his tough-tackling and interception skills and chip in with crucial goals.
The Ivorian excels in driving forward with the ball, making progressive passes and creating chances for his teammates in the final third. The ex-Atalanta man ticks almost every box for a central midfield player, which makes him so highly coveted across the European continent.
Kessie would undoubtedly improve Spurs’ options in the middle of the park, whilst being a straight upgrade over Harry Winks. Plus, the 25-year-old’s potential arrival at Spurs in January could also aid Tanguy Ndombele’s desire to leave the club, with the French midfielder having been linked with an exit from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
All in all, Tottenham signing Franck Kessie from AC Milan next month would represent a massive coup of sorts.
